Flow Cytometry Optical Assembly Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometry systems require complex and expensive adjustment systems for aligning light beams, resulting in insufficient precision and higher costs, which affects the reliability of optical measurements.
Innovation Solution
A flow cytometry system with a simplified structure where the emission and collection devices are mounted on a common support, allowing for improved stability and positioning, and using molded or overmolded parts with lower precision to reduce manufacturing costs, while maintaining centered and stabilized flow of biological particles through hydrodynamic sheathing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex adjustment systems are used to align the light beam with the particle flow, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emission device and collection device are merged onto a single support structure, creating a fixed geometric relationship between optical components. This eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining precise alignment through the inherent stability of the integrated mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure itself provides the alignment function through its rigid geometry and fixed mounting points. The system uses its own structural features rather than external adjustment mechanisms to achieve and maintain the precise positioning of the light beam relative to the particle flow.
2Reliability
If high precision parts are used for mounting optical devices, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard, easily manufactured support structures and mounting components rather than expensive precision-machined parts. The design accepts that individual components may require replacement but optimizes for low cost and ease of manufacture, achieving reliability through the overall system design rather than expensive individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the critical parameters from component-level precision to system-level geometric stability. By relying on the fixed relationships provided by the support structure and the hydrodynamic focusing effect, the system achieves reliable measurements without requiring high-precision manufacturing of individual mounting components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the emission and collection devices are mounted on separate supports, then the adjustment flexibility is improved, but the positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Both the emission device and collection device are mounted on the same support structure, creating fixed geometric relationships between all optical components. This integration provides inherent positioning stability while the support structure itself can be positioned to achieve the required alignment with the particle flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static adjustable mounts to a dynamic configuration where the integrated support structure can be positioned and oriented as a unit. The fixed internal geometry provides stability while the external positioning provides the necessary adaptability for different measurement conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the reliability and precision of optical measurements by stabilizing the flow of biological particles and reducing manufacturing costs through the use of lower precision parts, facilitating easier assembly and alignment of optical components.
Implementation Method 1
the first sheathing fluid introduced into the internal chamber is capable of hydrodynamically sheathing the liquid sample introduced into the internal chamber
Implementation Method 2
the second sheathing fluid introduced into the measurement chamber is capable of hydrodynamically sheathing the flow of biological particles in the measurement chamber
Implementation Method 3
a light source arranged to generate the light beam
Implementation Method 4
light rays scattered or diffracted by each biological particle introduced into the measurement chamber and intersecting the light beam
Implementation Method 5
light rays scattered or diffracted by each biological particle introduced into the measurement chamber and intersecting the light beam
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
This flow cytometry system comprises: a measuring chamber (11); an injecting device (12) arranged to inject a flow of biological particles to be analysed into the measuring chamber (11); an evacuating device (13) arranged to evacuate to the exterior of the cytometry system the flux of biological particles injected into the measuring chamber (11); a measuring assembly arranged to measure at least one optical property of the biological particles to be analysed, the measuring assembly including an emitting device (42) arranged to emit a light beam in the direction of the measuring chamber (11) and able to cross the flow of biological particles; and at least one collecting device (43a) arranged to collect light rays issued from the measuring chamber (11). The flow cytometry system furthermore comprises a supporting member (6) on which the injecting device (12), the evacuating device (13), the emitting device (42) and the at least one collecting device (43a) are arranged.